Governor Doyle Announces Adult Smoking in Wisconsin Hits All-Time Low
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle (has announced) that adult smoking in Wisconsin has reached a record low. The new adult smoking prevalence rate in Wisconsin of 19.6 percent marks the first time the number has ever been below 20 percent.
“We’re very encouraged by this news,” Governor Doyle said. “This number clearly demonstrates that Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention and control efforts are making a difference in the lives of smokers across the state.”
The new figures come from the 2007 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, a telephone survey of state residents age 18 and older. The survey measures smoking prevalence by education, age, ethnicity, gender and income. The new adult prevalence rate of 19.6 percent is down from 24 percent in 2000. Currently, the national adult smoking rate is 20 percent.
Governor Doyle has taken a number of steps to reduce smoking in Wisconsin, including raising the cigarette tax by $1 and dedicating new funds to cessation programs, providing free quit-smoking medications through the state’s Quit Line, and increasing youth tobacco prevention campaigns. Governor Doyle also urged the Legislature to make restaurants and taverns, along with other indoor workplaces, smokefree as part of his strategy to confront the dangers of tobacco.
Since January 1, when the cigarette tax went into effect, a record 20,000 people have called the The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line. The Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW) also offers free coaching to smokers.
For a fact sheet on the new adult prevalence numbers and information on Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco.
“We’re very encouraged by this news,” Governor Doyle said. “This number clearly demonstrates that Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention and control efforts are making a difference in the lives of smokers across the state.”
The new figures come from the 2007 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, a telephone survey of state residents age 18 and older. The survey measures smoking prevalence by education, age, ethnicity, gender and income. The new adult prevalence rate of 19.6 percent is down from 24 percent in 2000. Currently, the national adult smoking rate is 20 percent.
Governor Doyle has taken a number of steps to reduce smoking in Wisconsin, including raising the cigarette tax by $1 and dedicating new funds to cessation programs, providing free quit-smoking medications through the state’s Quit Line, and increasing youth tobacco prevention campaigns. Governor Doyle also urged the Legislature to make restaurants and taverns, along with other indoor workplaces, smokefree as part of his strategy to confront the dangers of tobacco.
Since January 1, when the cigarette tax went into effect, a record 20,000 people have called the The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line. The Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW) also offers free coaching to smokers.
For a fact sheet on the new adult prevalence numbers and information on Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 6:27 AM
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